Key additions- Nelson Cruz, Jemile Weeks, Ubaldo Jimenez, Johan Santana, Delmon Young, David Lough
Key losses- Jim Johnson, Brian Roberts, Danny Valencia, Nate McClouth
I had serious reservations about Baltimore repeating last year with the same success they had in 2012, but in the end they exceeded my expectations. Although they finished in 4th place in the division and missed out on the playoffs, they ended up with a respectable record despite playing in one of baseball's best divisions. Baltimore has made a few splash signings in recent weeks, picking up Ubaldo Jimenez and Nelson Cruz, as well as Johan Santana. Will this be enough to put them over the top in what should be another competitive season in the AL East?
My doubts in recent years with Baltimore has been the starting rotation. Not because of the lack of depth, but because they lack a true ace. Despite what he used to be, Ubaldo Jimenez is no longer a number one starter. Bud Norris was a number one in Houston, but that isn't saying much. The one man with the opportunity to step up as the number one starter on this team is Kevin Gausman who has unbelievable ability. But I still think he is a year or two away from taking that leap to the top of the rotation.
Coming off of his PED suspension Nelson Cruz is a question mark for Baltimore. If he can be the 30 home run, 90 RBI producer in the middle that we are used to from him then this lineup significantly improves. There are still questions about the leadoff spot in the lineup as well.
Plenty of depth in the rotation, but not enough quality top end guys will leave Baltimore in the middle of the pack in their division.
Predicted Finish- 4th place AL East
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